Australia plans to become one of the World’s largest producers of natural gas The paper reviews all referenced literature on the mining of gas, potential local harms on the environment and community health from gas mining and its many complex process. It identifies evidence of some health harms which are already occurring in residents close to mines and in particular in the newborn. Of even greater concern is the greenhouse emission profile of gas production which on recent evidence is probably only marginally less than coal, thus negating its use as a transition to renewable energy.
It is often difficult to refute the facts and opinions presented by the gas industry simply because of the complex nature of the processes. It is intended that this Paper be used to correct any erroneous presented by industries and governments.